Esther 5:4

KJV

And Esther answered, If [it seem] good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Esther {H635} answered {H559}, If it seem good {H2895} unto the king {H4428}, let the king {H4428} and Haman {H2001} come {H935} this day {H3117} unto the banquet {H4960} that I have prepared {H6213} for him.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If it is all right with the king,"answered Ester, "let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for him."

Berean Standard Bible

“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”

American Standard Version

And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 5:4 marks the Queen's remarkably strategic response to King Ahasuerus's open-ended offer, following her life-threatening unsummoned approach. Instead of immediately presenting her petition concerning Haman's plot against the Jews, Esther prudently invites both the king and Haman to a private banquet she has prepared. This calculated delay and act of hospitality serve to establish a more intimate setting, build anticipation, and set the stage for the dramatic revelation of Haman's treachery, showcasing Esther's wisdom and the subtle hand of divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows a moment of profound tension and relief in the narrative. In [Esther 5:1-2](/esther/5-1 "Esther 5:1-2 - Esther Approaches the King"), Queen Esther, having fasted and prayed, courageously approaches King Ahasuerus without being summoned, an act punishable by death. The king's unexpected extension of his golden scepter spares her life and signals his favor. In [Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "Esther 5:3 - The King's Offer to Esther"), the king, impressed by her bravery, offers her "up to half of the kingdom." Esther's response in [Esther 5:4](/esther/5-4 "Esther 5:4 - Esther's Invitation") is not a direct request for her people's deliverance, but a strategic invitation to a banquet, which then leads to a second banquet in [Esther 5:5-8](/esther/5-5 "Esther 5:5-8 - The First Banquet and Second Invitation"), carefully building the narrative tension and allowing Esther to control the timing and environment for her ultimate plea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian court of Susa operated under strict protocols, where an unsummoned approach to the king was a capital offense, underscoring the immense risk Esther undertook. The extension of the golden scepter was the sole sign of royal clemency. Banquets (Hebrew: `mishteh`) were not merely social gatherings but often served as significant political or strategic events, where alliances were forged, decrees announced, or important matters discussed. By hosting a banquet, Esther leveraged a common cultural practice to create an intimate, controlled environment, fostering goodwill and setting the king and Haman at ease before delivering her devastating petition. This also highlights the power dynamics, where a queen, despite her status, still had to navigate complex court etiquette to achieve her aims.
* **Key Themes:** Esther's invitation in this verse is saturated with several key themes. It exemplifies **Strategic Delay and Prudence**, demonstrating that wisdom often dictates waiting for the opportune moment rather than acting impulsively, as seen in [Proverbs 15:23](/proverbs/15-23 "Proverbs 15:23 - A Word Fitly Spoken"). The use of **Hospitality as a Tool** underscores how shared meals in ancient cultures could build trust and create a receptive atmosphere for difficult conversations. This approach also highlights **Subtlety and Influence** as Esther avoids direct confrontation, instead orchestrating events to achieve her objective, aligning with the wisdom described in [Proverbs 16:21](/proverbs/16-21 "Proverbs 16:21 - The Wise in Heart are Prudent"). Finally, the inclusion of **The Role of Haman** is crucial; his unwitting presence at the banquet designed for his downfall introduces a powerful element of dramatic irony, foreshadowing the reversal of fortunes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Good (Hebrew, _ṭôḇ_):** The phrase "If [it seem] good unto the king" (אִם־עַל־הַמֶּלֶךְ טוֹב - `im al-hammelech tov`) is a standard deferential expression in ancient Near Eastern courtly language. It signifies profound respect and a request for royal approval, not merely a suggestion. Esther's use of this phrase, despite her recent act of courage, underscores her humility and adherence to proper protocol, ensuring her petition would be received favorably.
* **Banquet (Hebrew, _mišteh_):** This term refers to a feast or drinking party. In the book of Esther, banquets are recurring motifs (e.g., King Ahasuerus's initial feast in [Esther 1:3](/esther/1-3 "Esther 1:3 - The King's Great Feast"), Vashti's feast in [Esther 1:9](/esther/1-9 "Esther 1:9 - Queen Vashti's Feast"), Esther's own banquet in [Esther 2:18](/esther/2-18 "Esther 2:18 - Esther's Coronation Banquet")). They are often settings for significant events, decisions, or revelations. Here, Esther's prepared banquet is not just a social event but a strategic instrument, a controlled environment designed to facilitate her critical petition and expose Haman.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Esther answered":** This marks Esther's measured and deliberate response to the king's extraordinary offer of "up to half of the kingdom" ([Esther 5:3](/esther/5-3 "Esther 5:3 - The King's Offer to Esther")). Her answer is not an immediate plea for her people, but a calculated counter-move.
* **"If [it seem] good unto the king":** This phrase emphasizes Esther's continued deference and respect for royal authority, even as she subtly guides the situation. It frames her invitation as a humble request, reinforcing her position as a loyal subject and making it easier for the king to accept.
* **"let the king and Haman come this day":** The immediate timing ("this day") suggests a sense of urgency on Esther's part, yet the invitation itself is a delay. Crucially, the inclusion of Haman is the masterstroke. It places the antagonist directly in Esther's carefully controlled environment, unaware of the trap being set for him, and ensures he will be present for the eventual confrontation.
* **"unto the banquet that I have prepared for him":** This clause highlights Esther's initiative and preparation. She is not merely reacting but actively orchestrating events. The banquet is her chosen arena, a place where she can subtly influence the king and expose Haman under conditions she has created.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 5:4 is rich with **Dramatic Irony**, as the audience is fully aware of Esther's true intentions and the grave danger Haman is in, while Haman himself remains oblivious, basking in what he perceives as a unique honor. This creates profound **Suspense**, as the narrative deliberately delays the climax, building anticipation for the eventual revelation of Haman's plot. The banquet itself serves as a powerful **Symbolism** of a trap or a snare, a seemingly innocuous gathering that will become the setting for Haman's downfall. Furthermore, Esther's strategic invitation is a clear instance of **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the coming confrontation and the reversal of fortunes that will occur within the intimate setting of the queen's table.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther's strategic delay and the carefully orchestrated banquet in this verse powerfully illustrate the theme of divine providence working through human prudence. While God's name is not explicitly mentioned in the book of Esther, His hidden hand is evident in Esther's wisdom, courage, and perfect timing. Her actions demonstrate that faithfulness to God does not preclude careful planning and wise strategy; rather, it often involves discerning the opportune moment and using available resources (like hospitality) to achieve righteous ends. This passage affirms that God can use the seemingly mundane acts of human preparation and social interaction to bring about His sovereign purposes, even in the most perilous circumstances.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand")
* [Ecclesiastes 3:1](/ecclesiastes/3-1 "A Time for Everything")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther's conduct in this pivotal moment offers profound lessons for believers navigating complex and challenging situations. Her strategic patience teaches us that not every crisis demands an immediate, direct confrontation. Sometimes, the wisest course of action involves careful preparation, building rapport, and waiting for the optimal moment to present a difficult truth or make a significant request. Her use of hospitality as a tool reminds us of the power of creating a safe and welcoming environment, even for those who may be adversaries, as a means to facilitate open communication or expose hidden motives. We are called to be both courageous and wise, to pray for discernment, and to act with prudence, trusting that God can work through our well-thought-out plans just as surely as through miraculous intervention. This passage encourages us to think several steps ahead, to consider the best approach to achieve righteous outcomes, and to rely on divine guidance in our strategic endeavors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When facing a significant challenge, how do I discern between immediate action and strategic delay?**
* **In what ways can I use "hospitality" or relationship-building to create a more favorable environment for difficult conversations or important requests?**
* **How does Esther's blend of courage and prudence inform my own approach to advocating for truth or justice in my sphere of influence?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Esther make her request immediately after the king offered her half the kingdom?**

Answer: Esther's decision to delay her petition was a masterstroke of strategic wisdom. Immediately making her request might have seemed impulsive or desperate. By inviting the king and Haman to a private banquet, she created an environment of intimacy and goodwill, allowing her to subtly build anticipation and ensure the king was in a receptive mood. This delay also allowed Haman to become complacent, increasing his pride and setting him up for a more dramatic fall. It demonstrated Esther's prudence, understanding that timing and presentation are crucial for a successful outcome, especially in high-stakes situations.

**What is the significance of Haman's inclusion in the invitation?**

Answer: Haman's inclusion is absolutely critical to Esther's plan and the narrative's dramatic tension. By inviting Haman, Esther ensures he is present to hear her petition against him directly. It also serves to inflate Haman's already enormous ego, as he believes he is being uniquely honored by the queen, completely unaware that he is being led into a trap. This element of dramatic irony amplifies the suspense and foreshadows his ultimate downfall, making his public humiliation all the more potent.

**Does Esther's indirect approach suggest a lack of courage?**

Answer: On the contrary, Esther's approach demonstrates profound courage combined with exceptional wisdom. She had already displayed immense courage by approaching the king unbidden, risking her life ([Esther 5:1-2](/esther/5-1 "Esther 5:1-2 - Esther Approaches the King")). Her indirect approach is not a sign of fear, but of strategic intelligence. True courage is not always reckless confrontation; sometimes it is the disciplined patience and calculated planning required to achieve the desired outcome most effectively. Her actions reflect a deep understanding of court politics and human psychology, making her courage even more impactful.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther's strategic invitation in [Esther 5:4](/esther/5-4 "Esther 5:4 - Esther's Invitation"), a seemingly simple act of hospitality, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate, divinely orchestrated plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. Just as Esther, at great personal risk, interceded for her people and prepared a banquet that would lead to their deliverance, so too did Christ, our great High Priest, offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice, interceding for humanity. His work on the cross, though appearing to be a defeat, was the ultimate strategic victory, a "banquet" of salvation prepared for all who would believe. Esther's wisdom in delaying her petition and creating the optimal conditions for Haman's exposure points to Christ's perfect timing and divine wisdom in accomplishing redemption. He did not immediately conquer sin and death through brute force but through a path of humility, suffering, and resurrection, perfectly fulfilling God's eternal plan ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Wisdom of God")). Her act of inviting Haman to a feast meant for his judgment subtly prefigures the ultimate judgment of sin and death, which Christ accomplished, ensuring eternal life for His people and inviting them to the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), the true banquet of salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 29:11

¶ A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise [man] keepeth it in till afterwards.

Esther 5:8

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

Esther 3:15

The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Genesis 32:20

And say ye moreover, Behold, thy servant Jacob [is] behind us. For he said, I will appease him with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see his face; peradventure he will accept of me.

Psalms 112:5

A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth: he will guide his affairs with discretion.

Genesis 27:25

And he said, Bring [it] near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought [it] near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.